Just to tease you guys, here is a verbatim quote from WhatHi. Feb 08 issue, page 65.
QUOTE
Though it looks as if the current outstanding Onkyo amplifier range is one of the most contentious issues in this office, everyone agrees that there is no better sounding multichannel alternative around. This includes Denon, we are afraid, whose 1908 is certainly less frightening to look at then the Onkyo TX-SR605 (Rs,36,000), but can't match the 605's level of excitement.
The denon also does not pack the onboard high-def audio decoding technology that Onkyo offers. So we recommend you to bit the bullet, buy the Onkyo, and consider buying an AV rack with cabinet doors.
UNQUOTE
Let us see where the current 1909 vs 606 bout ends.
Cheers
Hi venket,
with all due respect, i hope that next time when you are here for a 'bout" than you shld be ready with your helmet on ! You are mentioning the feb review where as you missed the July review which is latest one !!!!!!!!
You are not updated
hI Shapra,I'm not sure if its already there in India as i auditioned it in US !! My suggestion to you.... pls note that i always take all these reviews as reference only coz for me music is as subjective as food, where one cant judge the taste of the best of the best food only by reading reviews until taste it for real. In audio also every one has their own liking disliking , for example i was in the audition along with my two friends and my cousin. One of them spent 36500 usd for the system ( after 11 long audition sessions 5-6 hrs each time).
The second one spent only 6000 usd and he was satisfied with the systems response ! According to him, that 36500 usd is waste of money & the sound from that expensive system is a little harsh than his own system threfor his system is the best choice !!!!!
Thats why i mentioned JUST TRUST YOUR EARS !!!!! We tried to various brands and modles under one roof which helped us to shortlist easily, i dont know in India how far its possible !!!!!!
part of review is as under or else check on web DENON 1909 will show this site as well. (what hi fi )
Substantial sound adds sparkle
Denon had to make big strides where sound quality is concerned if it was to close the gap on Onkyo TX-SR606, and with the AVR-1909 it's done just that.
Decoding and amplifying the Dolby TrueHD soundtrack to our I Am Legend Blu-ray disc, the Denon delivers a sound as spacious, detailed and precise as we've enjoyed from the company's previous efforts, but where its predecessors played overly safe, the '1909 adds a considerable amount of punch and authority to the mix.
Low-end stuff is fast and substantial, with a level of drive and control unheard in recent Denon efforts. Allied to crisp, distinct dialogue and fine effects steering, it makes the '1909 the most convincing Denon in a while.
Elsewhere, the news is just as encouraging. Standard DVD soundtracks are crisp and muscular, and stereo music is similarly robust. Video upscaling is the best in this price class, meaning you can confidently route all your analogue video sources (like a Freeview box, say) through the '1909 and enjoy both clean, stable images and minimal wiring to your TV screen.
The AVR-1909, then, is a comprehensive return to form. The days of Onkyo getting it all its own way in this sector are over.
Hope it helps
